Description
Craving a bold, flavorful dish that’s quick and elegant? Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce) is your perfect choice! Featuring jumbo shrimp cooked in a luscious butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon zest, and black pepper, this Mexican-inspired dish is a savory, aromatic treat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Each ingredient adds to the rich, garlicky, and savory magic.
- Unsalted Butter (1½ sticks, at room temperature): Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
- Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt (1 tsp): Enhances flavor balance.
- Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): Adds bright, citrusy freshness.
- Black Pepper (½ tsp, freshly ground): Brings mild heat.
- Garlic Cloves (6, finely minced): Infuses bold, aromatic flavor.
- Jumbo Shrimp (2 lbs, shell-on, deveined, 21–25 count): Offer juicy, tender protein.
- Arroz Blanco (for serving): Provides a neutral, fluffy side.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): Add extra tangy brightness.
- Dinner Rolls (for serving): Offer a soft, buttery complement.
Substitutions and Variations
- Butter: Swap with olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free.
- Jumbo Shrimp: Use large shrimp (adjust cooking time to 4–5 minutes per side) or scallops.
- Lemon Zest: Replace with lime zest for a different citrus note.
- Arroz Blanco: Swap with cauliflower rice for keto or quinoa for gluten-free.
- Dinner Rolls: Use gluten-free rolls, keto bread, or omit for keto.
- Keto Adjustment: Use olive oil, cauliflower rice, and omit rolls (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free rolls or omit; ensure butter is gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Swap shrimp with king oyster mushrooms and butter with vegan butter.
- Spicy Version: Add ¼ tsp red-pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño with the garlic.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt 1½ sticks unsalted butter over low heat until bubbles form.
- Whisk in 1 tsp kosher salt, zest of 1 lemon, and ½ tsp black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Increase heat to medium-low, add 6 finely minced garlic cloves, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes to infuse the butter.
Tip: Mince garlic finely for even flavor; keep heat low to avoid burning butter or garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Add 2 lbs jumbo shrimp to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce.
- Cook on one side for 5–6 minutes, then flip and cook until fully pink, another 5–6 minutes.
- Remove from heat, taste, and adjust salt if needed.
Tip: Cook shrimp until just pink to avoid toughness; keep shells on for extra flavor, but devein for easy eating.
Step 3: Serve
- Serve shrimp hot with the garlic butter sauce, alongside arroz blanco, lemon wedges, and dinner rolls.
Tip: Spoon extra sauce over shrimp for maximum flavor; offer extra lemon wedges for a zesty kick.